New hire Q&A: Leyla Mehamed

Your journey has had many transitions, from education to teaching, entrepreneurship, and now CAMS Engineering. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Losing both of my parents during my final year of studies was the most difficult moment of my life. I had always relied on them financially, and suddenly, I had to find a way to support myself while finishing my education. Taking on a part-time teaching job helped me cover my remaining school expenses, but balancing work and studies was tough.

Later, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, selling small amounts of diesel to sustain myself. However, uncertainty became my biggest challenge; job rejections and unanswered applications were discouraging. The turning point came when a former teacher encouraged me to apply for an opportunity at CAMS Engineering. That one recommendation opened the door to a stable career.

And how has your career path been?
It has been anything but straightforward, but every step has shaped me. Teaching taught me discipline and patience, while my brief time as an entrepreneur built my resilience. When I joined CAMS Engineering, I moved from an unstable, informal income to a structured and promising career. The transition has been rewarding, allowing me to gain technical skills, financial stability, and a clear path forward.

How did securing a role at CAMS Engineering change your career trajectory, and what impact has it had on your finances?
This opportunity completely transformed my career. Before CAMS, my income was unpredictable, and financial security felt out of reach. Now, I have a stable monthly salary and access to social benefits, something I never had in my previous jobs.

Beyond stability, this job has given me a sense of direction. After my six-month placement, I was offered a permanent role, which not only solidified my position but also came with the promise of a salary increase in the future.

Tell us about your training at CAMS and which skills have been most valuable to you
The training at CAMS has been invaluable. I’ve learned about monitoring and evaluation, biogas construction, vermicompost preparation, and poultry feed production. Among these, poultry feed production has been the most valuable because it provided me with practical knowledge that I could apply immediately without a significant investment. These skills have also positioned me for future promotions within the company.

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to other young professionals navigating career uncertainties and job searches?
Stay committed and focused on your goals, no matter how many obstacles you face. Perseverance is key; there were moments when I felt discouraged, when I couldn’t see tomorrow, but I kept going. Take advantage of any learning opportunities that come your way; you never know which skill or connection might open the next door. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Sometimes, the right recommendation can make all the difference.

🔎 Silent signals – Who might be hiring soon 

As companies announce major funding or expansion plans, it’s a good indicator that new job opportunities could be on the way. Stay ahead by keeping an eye on their growth and tracking job postings as they scale.

• Overberg Wind Farm secures financing for South Africa's largest privately developed wind project. This project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy of the Overberg region.

• Construction of the Sh40 billion Meru Energy Park, a hybrid power project. This multibillion-dollar project is set to unlock hundreds of jobs, both directly and indirectly.

• EEU signs nearly $30 million Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract with Powercom from Israel. This contract will facilitate the implementation of 300,000 smart meters across Ethiopia, improving energy distribution and creating new job opportunities.